Decrease in use of NHS dentists being used in North and East Yorkshire

Figures released by the NHS Information Centre have revealed a decrease in the use of NHS dentists in East and North Yorkshire.

According to the statistics, fewer than half of adults in the two regions receive treatment from an NHS dentist. The figures show that fewer than half of adults in York and Selby have used an NHS dentist since the controversial dental contract was introduced in 2006. There has also been a decrease of 6 percent in the number of children visiting NHS dental surgeries for treatment.

The figures for North and East Yorkshire do not compare favourably with those for other parts of Yorkshire; Doncaster for example, has had an average uptake of more than 70 percent since 2006.

Dr Phil Kirby, interim director of public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, urged members of the public to attend regular dental appointments; putting off check-ups could be detrimental for oral health.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that access to NHS dental services is improving but more needs to be done. The government is currently working on a new dental contract in consultation with dental professionals.